Scams surrounding Paris 2024 Olympics: what you need to know

Olympics are lucrative for cybercriminals as well

As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, the anticipation is palpable. Scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, with some events starting on July 24, this edition of the Summer Olympics is set to be the largest event ever organized in France. Paris, the host city, will be the epicenter, with competitions spread across 35 venues, including iconic landmarks transformed into sports arenas.

This Olympiad will feature 329 events across 32 sports, including new additions like breakdancing, sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing. Over 10,500 athletes from more than 200 nations will participate, making it a global spectacle watched by billions. ^[1] However, such a massive event also attracts the attention of scammers looking to exploit the excitement and the influx of visitors – and this is not the first time.^[2]

Increase in cybercriminal activity surrounding the Olympics

FortiGuard Labs reported a significant rise in cyber attacks targeting French-speaking individuals, government entities, businesses, and infrastructure providers. From mid-2023 onwards, there has been a notable 80% to 90% increase in darknet activities centered on France, a pattern that persisted into early 2024.^[3]

Cybercriminals are leveraging the dark web as a key platform for their criminal endeavors and are thoroughly prepared for the upcoming massive event. You can also get ready to be ahead of scammers – jere’s a detailed look at the types of scams you might encounter and how to protect yourself from falling victim.^[4]

Ticket scams

One of the most common threats involves fraudulent ticket sales. Scammers create fake websites and online marketplaces claiming to sell authentic Olympic tickets.^[5] These sites can appear very convincing, often appearing as sponsored results in search engines. For instance, the website “paris24tickets.com” was identified as a fraudulent site designed to steal money and personal information from unsuspecting buyers.

To avoid falling prey to these scams, always purchase tickets from official sources, such as the Paris 2024 website or authorized resellers like tickets.paris2024.org. Verify the authenticity of the website by checking for slight variations in URLs, and be cautious of unsolicited offers, especially on social media. Official sites will never ask for full login details or payment information via email or phone.

Fake streaming websites

Another common fraud is counterfeit streaming websites that pretend to provide live coverage of the Olympics. These sites frequently request personal information or credit card numbers, which thieves use to commit fraud. Websites with strange domain names, such as “watcholympicslivehd24.com,” are designed to appear authentic while attempting to steal user data.

To protect yourself, stream Olympic events only through well-known and verified TV networks and streaming services. Be wary of unfamiliar domain names and avoid entering personal information on untrusted sites.

Deepfake scams

With the use of deepfake technology, con artists may produce incredibly lifelike videos of individuals, possibly posing as Olympic officials or sportsmen to trick spectators. Using this technique, serious financial fraud can be committed. For instance, during a video conversation, con artists pretended to be a company's CFO using deepfake technology, culminating in a $39 million fraud.

Always confirm the identification of people you speak with on video calls, especially when money is being exchanged, to protect yourself against these kinds of scams. Rely on your gut feeling and exercise caution when accepting odd requests or offers that appear too good to be true.

Fake social media giveaways

Scammers often take advantage of the excitement surrounding the Olympics by holding phony giveaways on social media in order to obtain personal data. These fake competitions, which sometimes offer expensive prizes or event tickets as rewards, are intended to collect personal information from gullible participants.

Verify a giveaway's credibility before entering by visiting the business's official website or social media profiles. Steer clear of links from dubious posts and use caution when entering prizes that appear excessively generous.

Dangerous public Wi-Fi

For those attending the Olympics in person, public Wi-Fi networks pose a significant risk. Hackers often target these networks to intercept personal data. During the Olympics, public Wi-Fi will be widely used, increasing the risk of data breaches.

Encrypt your connection with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to keep yourself safe. Before connecting, confirm the legitimacy of the network, and stay away from using public Wi-Fi to access financial accounts or complete transactions.

Paris 2024 implemented security measures

The Paris 2024 Olympics is implementing comprehensive cybersecurity measures to protect the event. This involves a multi-faceted approach that includes:^[2]

• Infrastructure & network security

Advanced network security solutions, such as intrusion detection systems, firewalls, and real-time monitoring, are in place to safeguard the IT infrastructure, including scoring, timing, broadcasting, and ticketing systems.

• Data protection & privacy

With vast amounts of personal data involved, stringent data security measures are essential. These include advanced encryption, robust access controls, and continuous monitoring, ensuring compliance with international data protection regulations like the GDPR.

• Global cybersecurity alliances

Collaboration with international cybersecurity organizations, government agencies, and sports bodies is key. This enables the sharing of intelligence on emerging threats and coordinated responses to potential cyberattacks.

• Advanced cyber defense technologies

AI-integrated surveillance systems will monitor public areas in real time to detect potential threats, supported by the recently enacted Loi JO 2024 legislation.

• Simulation & response planning

Extensive cybersecurity simulations (red teaming) are conducted to test and refine the resilience of the cybersecurity infrastructure, preparing for various attack scenarios.

These efforts ensure a secure environment for the Paris 2024 Olympics, protecting participants, spectators, and critical infrastructure.